“…forgive us our debts, AS WE ALSO FORGIVE our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) If we have NOT FORGIVEN those who have WRONGED US, no matter HOW BAD or HOW OFTEN, then WE are NOT FORGIVEN!!! If we are not forgiven then we have A PROBLEM in our relationship with God and WE NEED TO FIX IT!
How important is forgiveness? Jesus taught His disciples, “Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN! (Matt. 18:21-22) In an 8 hour work day that would be about ONCE EVERY MINUTE. Forgive is the Greek word, aphiēmi: to let go, keep no longer. When we have an unforgiving spirit we are holding that person in bondage in our minds and having unrighteous feelings about someone Jesus Christ suffered and died for.
God’s wonderful grace will FIX IT! Giving grace helps us. It will set us free. What does giving grace look like in our life? “…DO GOOD to those who hate you, BLESS those who curse you, PRAY for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) When we’re angry, the emotion can be so strong and blinding that forgiveness will be the last thing on our mind. But more often than not, we may choose to be angry about a situation because it feels right to us. As a result, anger is used as a FALSE SENSE OF EMPOWERMENT to justify the way we refuse to approach the problem of forgiveness. Forgiving someone is making the godly decision to choose mercy and grace over bitterness and resentment. To love God is to cooperate with His grace. “Be MERCIFUL, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
An unforgiving attitude will is grievous to the Lord and we must not, “…not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU…And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:30-32)
-Bill Stockham